The General Authority of Zakat and Tax (“GAZT”) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”) announced recently that it will start applying a 50% Excise Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (“SSBs”) and a  100% Excise Tax on electronic devices and equipment used for smoking, as well as the liquids used in electronic devices and equipment used for smoking.

The amended Excise Tax Implementing Regulations have been published in the Official Gazette on 15 May 2019, and enters into force with immediate effect, with the exception of the Excise Tax on SSBs, which will await a further decision by the GAZT Chairman. A GAZT spokesman has informally anticipated that the Excise Tax on SSBs is expected to take effect from 1 July 2019.Read More »